Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is nearing a transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in a deal worth up to €65 million. According to a report from ESPN, the clubs are exchanging draft documents for the 25-year-old Brazilian, who has been offered a four-year contract.
Manager Mikel Arteta addressed the situation publicly on Thursday. "Everybody knows and recognised how much we love Gabi and whatever the outcome is, it is because everyone agrees to that," Arteta said. He added, "I know what is in each other's hearts, and the words that came through in that conversation make me happy." The potential sale comes as Arsenal sit 3rd in the Premier League with 3 points from their opening game, three points behind leaders Manchester City.
Why is Martinelli leaving Arsenal?
Gabriel Martinelli's family and representatives are reportedly open to a move to the Middle East, with the quality of life and substantial financial package from Al Hilal tipping the scales in their favor. This follows Martinelli's recent rejection of an offer from Turkish champions Galatasaray. The player joined Arsenal in 2019 and his current contract runs until June 2027, giving the club a strong negotiating position. Last season, he made 61 appearances for club and country, scoring 13 goals and providing 7 assists.
The proposed €65 million fee represents a significant return on Arsenal's initial investment. His potential departure adds his name to the injuries list, which already includes Gabriel Jesus, Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, and new signing Bruno Guimarães. This leaves Arteta with attacking decisions to make ahead of the next fixture against Aston Villa.
What does this mean for Arsenal's season?
Arsenal's attacking options are set to be tested early in the campaign. The club has scored 3 goals and conceded none in their single league match so far, but losing a player of Martinelli's caliber requires adjustment. His direct running and goal threat from the left wing have been a feature of Arteta's system. The manager must now rely on other members of the squad to maintain the team's positive goal difference of +3.
The timing is notable with a challenging Champions League group containing Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund on the horizon. Balancing domestic and European commitments without a key attacker will be a test of depth. You can track the team's progress in both competitions on our standings page.
How will the funds be used?
The potential €65 million windfall from the Martinelli sale could provide Arsenal with transfer flexibility before the window closes. The club has already invested in the squad this summer, but replacing a forward's output is costly. Any new signing would need to integrate quickly, with a busy schedule of Premier League and European matches detailed on our fixtures list.
This move continues a trend of high-profile players moving to the Saudi Pro League. For Arsenal, it marks the end of an era for a player who became a fan favorite after his arrival from Ituano. The focus now shifts to the immediate challenge of an away trip to face 19th-placed Aston Villa, where Arsenal will aim for a second consecutive league win.
